News / Africa
Zimbabwean rangers arrested in Botswana further remanded in custody
31 Mar 2011 at 04:47hrs | Views
A court in Botswana has further remanded in custody to April 5, three parks rangers and a forestry company scout for allegedly straying into its territory while tracking suspected poachers.
The incarceration has sparked a diplomatic row between two countries.
George Mathe, Wailos Mungombe, Kudakwashe Goredema and Willas Mukande were alleged to be on patrol at the Kazuma Pan National Park at the border with Botswana on March 11, when they allegedly strayed into foreign land while tracking poachers' spoor.
On Monday, the four appeared in court in leg irons and Botswana police officers opposed their release alleging that the they are still investigating the case as they view it as a serious case involving arms of war.
The three are being kept under very high security guard and when they came to court they were in leg irons escorted by armed Botswana soldiers.
Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister Francis Nhema, yesterday said his ministry had since engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the matter.
The incarceration has sparked a diplomatic row between two countries.
George Mathe, Wailos Mungombe, Kudakwashe Goredema and Willas Mukande were alleged to be on patrol at the Kazuma Pan National Park at the border with Botswana on March 11, when they allegedly strayed into foreign land while tracking poachers' spoor.
On Monday, the four appeared in court in leg irons and Botswana police officers opposed their release alleging that the they are still investigating the case as they view it as a serious case involving arms of war.
The three are being kept under very high security guard and when they came to court they were in leg irons escorted by armed Botswana soldiers.
Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister Francis Nhema, yesterday said his ministry had since engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the matter.
Source - Byo24News
